A 62-year-old man’s life was lost after a fatal heart attack on an American Airlines flight. His family alleges that the flight crew failed to call for medical assistance until after the plane had landed and all other passengers had disembarked, leaving it too late to save him.
According to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Cannon’s son, who is also the administrator of his estate, John William Cannon suffered a fatal heart attack in the back of an ambulance as EMTs rushed him to Mercy Medical Center in Durango, Colorado. The plane had taxied to the gate after landing, and all other passengers had disembarked.
Cabin crews are trained in CPR, but it appears that they did not attempt to revive Cannon immediately after his collapse. Instead, they sent him off to catch a connecting flight. This decision is being questioned by the family and their lawyer, who describes it as “unbelievably frustrating” and “event avoidant.”
The lawsuit charges American Airlines with negligently failing to deny boarding to an individual in medical crisis and failing to provide reasonable first aid on board. The family is seeking unspecified damages for mental anguish, suffering, bereavement, loss of companionship, attorneys’ fees, and funeral expenses.
This case highlights the importance of prompt medical attention in emergency situations. Attorney Joseph LoRusso notes that 20-30 minutes are “critical time” when someone’s life could be saved with proper care. The family hopes that this lawsuit will lead to changes in how American Airlines handles medical emergencies on flights.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/american-airlines-passenger-dead-lawsuit-family-b2738269.html